Wines Aconcagua Andes Seña - Chadwick - 2012

Viniou Reviews

Seña 2012 is a remarkable Chilean red wine, crafted as a collaboration between Eduardo Chadwick and Robert Mondavi. This wine is a Bordeaux-style blend, often referred to as Cuvée Chadwick in homage to the family’s dedication to Chile’s wine renaissance. The vintage 2012 experienced ideal growing conditions, allowing for gradual grape maturation and promising excellent balance and depth. The blend comprises mainly Cabernet Sauvignon, with contributions from Carmenère, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and occasionally Cabernet Franc. The vinification emphasises gentle extraction, followed by careful ageing in French oak barrels for elegance and complexity.

The Aconcagua Valley is one of Chile’s premier viticultural regions, situated north of Santiago, close to the Pacific Ocean and the Andean foothills. Its climate is marked by a distinct Mediterranean influence: hot, sunny days and cool nights thanks to coastal breezes and mountain winds. These conditions, combined with well-drained alluvial and colluvial soils, foster balanced ripening and concentration in the grapes. The area has a rich history of winemaking dating back to the 19th century, yet it is in the last three decades that Aconcagua, and particularly the Seña estate, have solidified their reputation on the world stage for expressive, age-worthy wines.

Seña 2012’s opulent structure and layers of blackcurrant, plum, cedar, graphite, and subtle herbal notes make it a superb companion to red meat and savoury dishes. It is a natural match for traditional Chilean cuisine such as cordero al palo (spit-roasted lamb) or empanadas de pino, but also pairs beautifully with classic French-inspired fare like beef Wellington or venison with a blackcurrant sauce. Mature hard cheeses and earthy roasted root vegetables also complement its complexity.

For optimal enjoyment, serve Seña 2012 at a temperature between 16-18°C. Decanting for at least an hour is recommended to allow the wine to fully open and display its nuanced aromas and elegant tannins. This vintage promises both immediate pleasure and potential for further ageing.